Diff cover opinions?

[Switch_knuckles]

The diffs on the xj are in need of a new gasket and a lil fluid. I was thinking about getting a stronger cover. I like the one from ARB but it's a bit pricey. Should I do that or just use the stock cover and bolt on a diff cage? Your thoughts?

[alwaysxj]

I had the dif cages on my last xj and I really liked them, and the price it right as well.
but i know riddler (I think that is the name) makes some really nice ones for a good price.

[DETOURS]

www.badapplefab.com , great price, damn good protection.

[xj4life2]

www.badapplefab.com , great price, damn good protection.

X2

[4.3LXJ]

To me, one of the deciding factors is whether or not you have the famous rubber plug in the full hole. They leak and it is just cheap instead of using a pipe plug. If I was in the mind to change covers anyway, I wold get something with a good plug. The ARBs are the ultimate cover, with a dip stick even. But there are other covers out there such as SOLID that are very good too.

[Mudderoy]

I'm looking at something like this...

:link: (http://www.undercoverfab.com/fabricated-differential-covers/21-dana-30-hd-diff-cover.html)

1/4 inch steel plate...

http://www.undercoverfab.com/21-106-large/dana-30-hd-diff-cover.jpg

[xj4life2]

You could also look at Ballistic Fab, Rough Stuff, Parts Mike , Sky Manufacturing, to name a few

[hookedonxjs]

4.3's right about the chrysler plug. I do have a question about the angle of my 8.25 after shimed leaves and if there is a diff cover with fill plug raised to get a complete fill? Also I have always used RTV silicone insted of gaskets.

[Mudderoy]

You could also look at Ballistic Fab, Rough Stuff, Parts Mike , Sky Manufacturing, to name a few

Thanks, I've seen several that are made like this, but I couldn't find the one I was looking for exactly. This list will help! Oh it's just on my list of things to get so I'm not ordering one soon.

[bluedragon436]

I've been looking at either Bad Apple's setup or picking up the Ruff Stuff covers once I get back from this deployment... They are both great protection options.. and have seen both perform on local trails quite well...

[Mudderoy]

I've been looking at either Bad Apple's setup or picking up the Ruff Stuff covers once I get back from this deployment... They are both great protection options.. and have seen both perform on local trails quite well...

Well DETOURS, Mark, really likes the Bad Apple Fab one, and his opinion means a lot to me, but I just want something that replaces my current diff cover with something thick and sturdy looking.

[PolarXJ]

I'm looking at something like this...

:link: (http://www.undercoverfab.com/fabricated-differential-covers/21-dana-30-hd-diff-cover.html)

1/4 inch steel plate...

http://www.undercoverfab.com/21-106-large/dana-30-hd-diff-cover.jpg

WOW, does it come with stronger shafts so the entire axle can take the comparable abuse that thing can take. :D

[Mudderoy]

WOW, does it come with stronger shafts so the entire axle can take the comparable abuse that thing can take. :D

For $79 that would be great. I didn't think the diff cover was supposed to be equal to what abuse the axle shafts could withstand. I thought the diff cover was supposed to protect the fluid from draining out or the cover coming in contact with the ring. How would stronger axles help that?

[4.3LXJ]

4.3's right about the chrysler plug. I do have a question about the angle of my 8.25 after shimed leaves and if there is a diff cover with fill plug raised to get a complete fill? Also I have always used RTV silicone insted of gaskets.

If you tip one up, it will be more difficult to get as much oil in it unless you are fast with the plug

[4.3LXJ]

For $79 that would be great. I didn't think the diff cover was supposed to be equal to what abuse the axle shafts could withstand. I thought the diff cover was supposed to protect the fluid from draining out or the cover coming in contact with the ring. How would stronger axles help that?

I think there is a misunderstanding about this cover. The D30 is known to spread under high torque and take out the gears due to lack of full contact of the teeth. Just about any of the real strong covers will pretty much prevent that from happening. The next weak link is the axle shafts themselves.

[cantab27]

I think there is a misunderstanding about this cover. The D30 is known to spread under high torque and take out the gears due to lack of full contact of the teeth. Just about any of the real strong covers will pretty much prevent that from happening. The next weak link is the axle shafts themselves.

so not just for show,,, i find this interesting as Ive not heard about that ,,thought they were for show and help slide diff over stuff....:o

[4.3LXJ]

so not just for show,,, i find this interesting as Ive not heard about that ,,thought they were for show and help slide diff over stuff....:o

The problem comes with lockers, big tires on big rocks. Just too much for it.

[Mudderoy]

I think there is a misunderstanding about this cover. The D30 is known to spread under high torque and take out the gears due to lack of full contact of the teeth. Just about any of the real strong covers will pretty much prevent that from happening. The next weak link is the axle shafts themselves.

But is it meant to do the other two things I was thinking? Protect from leak caused by a direct strike of something, even something on the highway hit at high speed? And keeping the cover off the ring?

[cantab27]

http://www.offroadspecialties.co.nz/node/333

[4.3LXJ]

But is it meant to do the other two things I was thinking? Protect from leak caused by a direct strike of something, even something on the highway hit at high speed? And keeping the cover off the ring?

All of then will be better that stock. But in my opinion the ones made from steel plate will take more of a hit than the cast. Unless it is cast steel

[Mudderoy]

All of then will be better that stock. But in my opinion the ones made from steel plate will take more of a hit than the cast. Unless it is cast steel

Cool so the plate diff cover serves a purpose I wasn't aware of! Sweet. Thanks Steve, great information.

[Switch_knuckles]

I like the Ruff Stuff ones. I think they are gonna be my next mod. Thanks all!!!

[Mudderoy]

I like the Ruff Stuff ones. I think they are gonna be my next mod. Thanks all!!!

Yep this is the one I was looking for the other day...

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/graphics/00000001/D30%20Diff%20cover.jpg

:link: (http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/D30COV.html)

[DETOURS]

I've heard a pumkin spreading on the 35, actually witnessed it.....I suppose it could happen with a 30, but the shafts are typically the weak link. I suppose a solid cover could help, but I've never heard a cover being a savior......sure, it might help.....but I could'nt base a purchase in that mind set.

Just my 2 pennies.......

[xjjeepthing]

www.badapplefab.com , great price, damn good protection.

Love mine
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s44/xjjeepthing/My%20jeep/002-7.jpg

Have them front and rear

[KH96XJ]

I just ordered front and rear guards from bad apple fab this week. Will put them on when the gears are done.

[WhiteEagle]

I've seen Dana Cover on
http://stores.ebay.com/AMERICANREBEL?_trksid=p4340.l2563

http://up.picr.de/7126437uip.jpg

[Mudderoy]

I've seen Dana Cover on
http://stores.ebay.com/AMERICANREBEL?_trksid=p4340.l2563

http://up.picr.de/7126437uip.jpg

Now that is pretty cool.

[nota944mechanic]

I've seen Dana Cover on
http://stores.ebay.com/AMERICANREBEL?_trksid=p4340.l2563

http://up.picr.de/7126437uip.jpg

Very cool. I like the black D30 cover with the 'Jeep' logo. You could tell people it was a rare factory item :D .

[jccatt]

Nice covers. Wonder how tough the aluminium is

[Mudderoy]

Nice covers. Wonder how tough the aluminium is

Yeah it's pretty but I think I'd have to go with that two piece heavy duty one I was looking at for $30 less.

[4.3LXJ]

Nice covers. Wonder how tough the aluminium is

I looked at the specs. It did not say it was T6 aluminum. If it was, it would be as tough as cast iron, or tougher. So I am assuming that if they left out an important detail like that, they may be brittle like cast aluminum can be.

[rugidone]

I've got a Solid Axle cover on my d30, it survived a nasty hit this past weekend, not even a mark on it.

Normally, I manage to avoid smacking my diffs, but driving with welders flash makes things difficult lol.